Aremo Osoba Urges Journalists To Be Dedicated, Committed As Oyo FIBAN/UNESCO Celebrate Oloye ‘Lekan Alabi’s 50 Years As Media Icon

BY ABUSATAR HAMED

IBADAN – The former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba has urged journalists to be dedicated and committed to the journalism profession.

Aremo Osoba stated this on Monday, February 13, 2023 in his opening remarks, at the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria,(FIBAN), Oyo State Chapter in conjunction with the UNESCO to mark 2023 World Radio Day, with the theme: “Radio and Peace”.

The event was also used to celebrate Oloye ‘Lekan Alabi, the Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland, on his 50 years as a media Icon and a practising journalist.

Chief Osoba was of the opinion that the new generation journalists had more opportunities to access information than veteran journalists who worked when there were no technology and equipment.

He pointed out that technology had helped modern day journalism through the use of google search engine, cable networks and others as sources of information.

Aremo Osoba however lamented that the modern day journalists were not being professional enough in their practice because they were too materialistic, enjoining them to be more dedicated and committed to the profession.

In his own speech at the event, the former Nigerian Ambassador to the Phillipines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, said radio broadcasters must include facts in their report, explaining that radio remained a medium listened to by millions of people including the literate and illiterate, rich and poor.

Dr Farounbi who was the former GM, NTA, Ibadan however advised radio broadcasters to be agents of truth through reporting of facts as expected and not to manipulate facts.

The celebrant, Oloye Lekan Alabi, while speaking with journalists, explained that the world Radio Day celebrated every 13th of February, was instituted after the Second World War, by the United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organisations (UNESCO), to promote peace, adding that the day was set aside for radio because radio remained the most far reaching, easily accessible communication medium.

While urging journalists to be professional in their practice and desist from partisanship, Oloye ‘Lekan Alabi however appreciated FIBAN for the recognition accorded him after 50 years of practicing as a journalist.

Prof. Remi Raji-Oyelade, the guest speaker, analyzed the theme of the day – “Radio and Peace” in the piece he delivered at the event, titled, “Poetic of Radio”.

He went down memory lane when radio was once a magic box that speaks endlessly without getting a response.

Raji-Oyelade added that radio had the ability to generate and inspire development and bring peace to the nation, disclosing that in Oyo state there were over 40 radio stations.

“Radio continues to be one of the most trusted and used media in the world according to different international reports.

“The popularity and widespread of radio influence of old glory is being shared by new media that is social media notwithstanding, radio is the commonest media to access in urban and rural areas today.

“The followers are loyal to their believability to the operation mode and contents. It also has the capacity to extend and to embellish stories”, he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Oyo State FIBAN, Comrade Awodele appreciated Oloye ‘Lekan Alabi, whom he described as the living legend for his good works in journalism.

He disclosed that the occasion would also feature a fundraising for the construction of an edifice – Oloye Lekan Alabi-FIBAN Media Centre.

Awodele also explained how Oloye Alabi worked tremendously in Oyo State and gave glory to God for making him to attain the 50 years of great performances in all aspects of journalism.

The Oyo State FIBAN boss used the occasion to introduce the launching of a radio station – Honour 103.5, owned by Rev. Phillips Oyewale.

It was indeed an exciting moment on Monday, February 13, 2023 as the venue of the event, Ibadan Civic Centre, Idi Ape, Ibadan was filled to the brim with dignitaries who came from far and near, to celebrate the Septuagenarian, the Ambassador of Culture, Oloye ’Lekan Rasheed Alabi.

The opening prayer was said by Chief Yemi Ogunyemi, the renowned broadcaster and Baale of Oluyole, Ibadan while the Chairman of
Oyo FIBAN, Comrade Seun Awodele did the introduction of guests at the event.

The duo of Adesola Ogunbanjo-Batili Alake with her Waka group and Wole Ojo and his Juju music band thrilled guests to superlative music rendition.

Mrs. Ibiyemi Ajadi directed the cutting of the anniversary cake while Alhaji Gboyega Lawal anchored the fundraising aspect of the programme.

The event was graced by dignitaries from business, celebrities, media practitioners and host of others.

Kabiyesi Fatai Adiyeloja from NTA and Chief (Mrs.) Julie Coker anchored the programme while Apreel1 Events Management and TV packaged and covered the event.